NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards Looking To Make Deals, Challenge Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have looked somewhat vulnerable this season, battling injuries and maintaining a small lead atop the East. As a result, the top teams in the conference are looking to upgrade their rosters before Thursday’s trade deadline.

According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards have been among the most aggressive teams in trying to get a deal done. Tied for the No. 4 seed at the All-Star break, Toronto took Cleveland to six games in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. Washington has been among the league’s best teams in the last two months, and they are just five games behind the Cavaliers.

The Raptors have already made a trade, acquiring Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic last week. The team, however, hasn’t been satisfied with simply acquiring one marquee player. ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that Toronto offered Jonas Valanciunas and a first-round pick to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins before the center was dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans. Sports Illustrated previously reported that Toronto had shown interest in Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond.

If they are unable to land a big name player, the Raptors might simply add a complimentary piece. They’ve been linked to Phoenix Suns swingman P.J. Tucker, who is averaging seven points per game.

Washington hasn’t been linked to any All-Star caliber players, though they are looking to improve their bench. After missing out on Lou Williams, whom the Los Angeles Lakers sent to the Houston Rockets, the Wizards are interested in Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Shabazz Muhammad, via ESPN's Marc Stein.

The Boston Celtics might be the biggest threat to the Cavaliers as the East’s No. 2 seed. They’ve been linked to Jimmy Butler, though the Chicago Bulls might have decided that they won’t be trading their star forward. The New York Knicks have reportedly inquired with the Celtics about dealing Carmelo Anthony, but a trade doesn’t appear to be likely.

The Celtics seemingly have a chance to overtake the Cavaliers for first place in the East. Kevin Love will miss six weeks with a knee injury, and Cleveland has slowed down after a 26-7 start.

LeBron James has reached the NBA Finals in every season since 2011.